In this guide, we focus on Maxxis\u2019 range of mountain bike tyres, including an overview of its tyre technologies, compounds and casings.<\/p>\n
Maxxis mountain bike tyre technologies explained<\/h2>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> The construction of a Maxxis mountain bike tyre involves many layers.<\/span><\/figcaption> Maxxis<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/div>\nMaxxis casing constructions explained<\/h3>\n
Maxxis offers a variety of MTB tyre casings<\/a> to suit different types of riding. Tyre casings impact how a tyre feels and the level of protection it provides.<\/p>\nAll else being equal, a thinner casing is usually more supple than a thicker casing, but offers less protection on gnarly terrain.<\/p>\n
Maxxis uses a range of different options across its tyre range, from lightweight casings to heavy-duty casings for gravity riding:<\/p>\n
- Single-ply<\/strong> casing features one layer of nylon wrapped from bead to bead. This conforms well to terrain, giving a supple ride feel, and is lighter than Maxxis\u2019 other casings.<\/li>\n
- Dual-ply<\/strong> casing features two layers of nylon, adding additional protection and sidewall stiffness for enduro and downhill riding.<\/li>\n
- Wide Trail (WT)<\/strong> construction optimises the tyre tread for 30 to 35mm-wide rims, avoiding the square profile that tyres with narrower designs face on modern wide rims.<\/li>\n
- Tubeless Ready (TR)<\/strong> features sealant-compatible rubber and uses dual-ply 60 TPI (threads per inch). There is a butyl insert for support and rim protection, offering increased grip and reliability. A tubeless-ready bead locks the rim and the foldable bead provides additional weight savings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Maxxis puncture technologies explained<\/h3>\n
Even the best mountain bike tyres<\/a> can be punctured by thorns, lacerations and snake bites. Maxxis offers four types of puncture protection to deal with these problems:<\/p>\n- Silkworm Protection<\/strong> is a puncture- and tear-resistant material incorporated into the tyre\u2019s casing under the tread.<\/li>\n
- EXO<\/strong> Protection is a cut- and abrasion-resistant material added to a tyre\u2019s sidewall. This densely woven fabric is lightweight and flexible in order to retain tyre performance. EXO Protection is for exceptionally rocky trails, where the chance of tearing the sidewall is high.<\/li>\n
- EXO+<\/strong> combines Silkshield and EXO protection. The Silkshield layer runs from bead to bead, with a layer of EXO along the sidewalls.<\/li>\n
- Double Down (DD)<\/strong> is a dual-ply casing for enduro and downhill racing. Two 120 TPI casing layers are reinforced on the sidewall with a butyl insert to avoid gashes and pinch flats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Maxxis tyre compounds explained<\/h3>\n
Rubber compounds can have a big impact on the grip, longevity and handling of a tyre. Maxxis uses different combinations of rubber compounds for different ride characteristics:<\/p>\n
- Single Compound<\/strong> tyres feature one compound throughout the tread for optimised longevity and performance.<\/li>\n
- Dual Compound<\/strong> tyres feature two types of rubber and offer lower rolling resistance and increased cornering grip.<\/li>\n
- Triple Compound<\/strong> (3C) tyres have three types of rubber arranged for the ultimate traction at the end of racing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Maxxis cross-country tyres<\/h2>\nMaxxis Ardent Race<\/h3>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Maxxis\u2019 Ardent Race is a shallower version of the Ardent trail tyre.<\/span><\/figcaption> David Rome\/Future Publishing<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n- Dual or 3C MaxxSpeed<\/li>\n
- EXO protection<\/li>\n
- Tubeless-ready<\/li>\n
- Wheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29in<\/li>\n
- Width: 2.20, 2.35, 2.60in WT<\/li>\n
- Recommended as front or rear tyre<\/li>\n<\/ul>
The Ardent Race is designed for technical cross-country<\/a> courses. Borrowing the tread pattern from the full-fat Ardent trail tyre, a smaller tread height is used to achieve faster rolling speeds.<\/p>\n Latest deals<\/h5> <\/div> Maxxis Aspen<\/h3>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> The Aspen rolls and corners well, thanks to its large shoulder knobs.<\/span><\/figcaption> Maxxis<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n- Dual compound<\/li>\n
- EXO protection<\/li>\n
- Tubeless-ready<\/li>\n
- Wheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29in<\/li>\n
- Width: 2.10, 2.25, 2.40in<\/li>\n
- Recommended as a front or rear tyre<\/li>\n<\/ul>
The Aspen is a lightweight cross-country racing tyre designed with low rolling resistance and straight-line grip in mind. It\u2019s a go-to choice for many racers, because the large shoulder knobs find traction in a variety of conditions, while the rounded-off crown helps maintain speed.<\/p>\n
Latest deals<\/h5> <\/div> Maxxis Crossmark II<\/h3>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> The Crossmark II rolls fast and finds plenty of traction in the dry.<\/span><\/figcaption> David Arthur \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n- Dual compound<\/li>\n
- EXO protection available<\/li>\n
- Tubeless-ready<\/li>\n
- Wheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29in<\/li>\n
- Width: 2.10, 2.25in<\/li>\n
- Recommended as a front or rear tyre<\/li>\n<\/ul>
The Crossmark II is a fast-rolling tyre designed for maximum straight-line speed. Its low rolling resistance and sharp cornering bite ensure the tyre excels in dry conditions, and the reinforced sidewall shrugs off rocks and knocks well.<\/p>\n
- Read our full Maxxis Crossmark II review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>
Latest deals<\/h5> <\/div> Maxxis Forekaster<\/h3>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Maxxis\u2019 Forekaster makes for a good downcountry tyre.<\/span><\/figcaption> Dan Milner \/ BikeRadar<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n- Dual or 3C compound<\/li>\n
- EXO protection<\/li>\n
- Tubeless-ready<\/li>\n
- Wheel diameter: 27.5, 29in<\/li>\n
- Width: 2.20, 2.35, 2.60in WT<\/li>\n
- Recommended as a front or rear tyre<\/li>\n<\/ul>
The Forekaster is a wet-weather tyre for XC racing<\/a> and light trail riding. Working well as a front tyre in sloppy conditions, it\u2019s more aggressive than other cross-country tyres and lends itself well to downcountry<\/a> riding.<\/p>\n Latest deals<\/h5> <\/div> Maxxis Ikon<\/h3>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Maxxis\u2019 Ikon is very fast-rolling, with high levels of traction in the dry.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oliver Woodman\/Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n- Dual or 3C Maxx compound<\/li>\n
- Standard or EXO protection<\/li>\n
- Tubeless Ready<\/li>\n
- Diameter: 26, 27.5, 29in<\/li>\n
- Width: 2.20, 2.35, 2.60in WT<\/li>\n
- Recommended as a front or rear tyre<\/li>\n<\/ul>
The Ikon is a lightweight tyre designed for speed and reliability, utilising the 3C Maxx compound. A tightly packed tread pattern with squared-off shoulder knobs makes the tyre fast-rolling but grippy in dry conditions.<\/p>\n
Latest deals<\/h5> <\/div> Maxxis Pace<\/h3>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> The Maxxis Pace utilises a shallow but tightly spaced tread for hard-pack conditions.<\/span><\/figcaption> Maxxis<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n- Single or dual compound<\/li>\n
- Silkworm or EXO protection<\/li>\n
- Tubeless-ready<\/li>\n
- Wheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29in<\/li>\n
- Width: 2.10in<\/li>\n
- Recommended as a front or rear tyre<\/li>\n<\/ul>
The Pace is one of Maxxis\u2019 fastest cross-country tyres. The low-profile tread and narrow width offer little rolling resistance, but do limit the tyre on wet, gnarlier terrain.<\/p>\n
Latest deals<\/h5> <\/div> Maxxis Rekon Race<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/02\/Maxxis-mountain-bike-tyre-construction-b9f9586-e1675692809494.jpeg?quality=90&crop=5px%2C4px%2C1014px%2C676px&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Maxxis casing constructions explained<\/h3>\n
Maxxis offers a variety of MTB tyre casings<\/a> to suit different types of riding. Tyre casings impact how a tyre feels and the level of protection it provides.<\/p>\n All else being equal, a thinner casing is usually more supple than a thicker casing, but offers less protection on gnarly terrain.<\/p>\n Maxxis uses a range of different options across its tyre range, from lightweight casings to heavy-duty casings for gravity riding:<\/p>\n Even the best mountain bike tyres<\/a> can be punctured by thorns, lacerations and snake bites. Maxxis offers four types of puncture protection to deal with these problems:<\/p>\n Rubber compounds can have a big impact on the grip, longevity and handling of a tyre. Maxxis uses different combinations of rubber compounds for different ride characteristics:<\/p>\n The Ardent Race is designed for technical cross-country<\/a> courses. Borrowing the tread pattern from the full-fat Ardent trail tyre, a smaller tread height is used to achieve faster rolling speeds.<\/p>\n The Aspen is a lightweight cross-country racing tyre designed with low rolling resistance and straight-line grip in mind. It\u2019s a go-to choice for many racers, because the large shoulder knobs find traction in a variety of conditions, while the rounded-off crown helps maintain speed.<\/p>\n The Crossmark II is a fast-rolling tyre designed for maximum straight-line speed. Its low rolling resistance and sharp cornering bite ensure the tyre excels in dry conditions, and the reinforced sidewall shrugs off rocks and knocks well.<\/p>\n The Forekaster is a wet-weather tyre for XC racing<\/a> and light trail riding. Working well as a front tyre in sloppy conditions, it\u2019s more aggressive than other cross-country tyres and lends itself well to downcountry<\/a> riding.<\/p>\n The Ikon is a lightweight tyre designed for speed and reliability, utilising the 3C Maxx compound. A tightly packed tread pattern with squared-off shoulder knobs makes the tyre fast-rolling but grippy in dry conditions.<\/p>\n The Pace is one of Maxxis\u2019 fastest cross-country tyres. The low-profile tread and narrow width offer little rolling resistance, but do limit the tyre on wet, gnarlier terrain.<\/p>\nMaxxis puncture technologies explained<\/h3>\n
Maxxis tyre compounds explained<\/h3>\n
Maxxis cross-country tyres<\/h2>\n
Maxxis Ardent Race<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/1384136019031-5da7587zde63-b6776b7.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Latest deals<\/h5>
Maxxis Aspen<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/02\/Maxxis-Aspen-d1ccb6f.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Latest deals<\/h5>
Maxxis Crossmark II<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/09\/Maxxis-Crossmark-II-EXO-TR-02-d176de5.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Latest deals<\/h5>
Maxxis Forekaster<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/03\/Bergamont-Contrail-Pro-06-5840d75.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Latest deals<\/h5>
Maxxis Ikon<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/03\/1433239636196-1px4y2ry0fkn5-b8e82bc-e1675440538947.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Latest deals<\/h5>
Maxxis Pace<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/02\/maxxis-pace-a022211.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Latest deals<\/h5>
Maxxis Rekon Race<\/h3>\n